My laptop had a meltdown which has forced me to become chained to my desk so I can work on my other computer. It kind of stinks since one of the main benefits of working as a freelancer is supposed to be your freedom. Thankfully I ordered a new computer (got a good deal on Costco’s website!) This weekend I want to pick some strawberries, see that new movie UP in 3-D and go cruising in our new car.

This morning I had the privilege of being interviewed by WYFF anchor Kelly Coakley on their Sunday morning show. I got to talk about one of my favorite topics– this blog! Kelly asked me all about The Honeymoon Phase and being married. She says you’ll be able to watch the interview on Sound off South. Although I had to wake up super early to make it to the studio for two segments in the 7am show, it was fun and I am glad I got to be a part of it!

I just returned from selling our Mini Cooper. It’s been the plan for a few months now in an effort to downsize our expenses, beef up our investments and start work in converting the attic to a master suite. I’m not overly sentimental about things. They’re just things. It’s probably because I moved 9 times in my first 18 years of life. Heck, I’m still not sure if I’ll be keeping my wedding dress. But today saying goodbye to the Mini was a bit tough.

It was inside that speedy little astro black Mini with the white racing stripes that my husband and I spent our first moments alone as a married couple.

Getting in as Mr. and Mrs. Lowry

I remember those moments so clearly. I remember the rice falling from my hair onto the floor mats and the gear shifter. I remember smiling like little kids, amazed that we had actually done it.

My New Husband Getting Ready to Drive Us Away

I remember nervously wondering whether we should head down Augusta Road or through Cleveland Park to avoid traffic on the way to the reception.

My Husband Spent Hours Cleaning the Mini That Day

I’m sure the Mini’s new owner will be good to it. And we’ll always remember where we spent our first moments alone as a married couple; inside that little Mini, so full of memories.

Even though I grew up in Iowa and my first real job was detasseling corn, I think I was destined for the big city. I love everything about it, except maybe when someone hits in the head with their cello on the subway which happened to me twice. We rented this super cute apartment in the Upper West Side, three blocks from Central Park and one block from these little yummies at Magnolia Bakery.

I tried their muffins, cupcakes, cheesecake and bars. Yum, yum, yum and yum!

There were so many fun moments. Laughing our butts off at Robin Wiliams during our Letterman taping, tap dancing down Central Park West on the eve of my 30th, eating desserts that look like sculptures and running all the way from the Upper West Side to the Brooklyn Bridge. A cab driver told us that was 15 miles which is amazing since we did it in less than an hour. We thought it was more like five miles.

This Gorgeous Bride was Dancing on the Brooklyn Bridge When We Got There

My actual 30th birthday was spent partly on a rowboat in Central Park, partly at a fancy restaurant on Park Avenue, partly on a water taxi in the Harlem River, partly in a circus tent and completely in love.

Looks like I got a hair cut in this shot but I didn't

I admit I even cried a little when we had to leave. There’s just something about the big city that has my heart. But as for my 30th birthday? It rocked.

The hubs and I are heading to NYC next week. It’s the final hurrah for our 25/30 celebration and I can’t wait! Yesterday on my way to the salon I got a call from the David Letterman Show. “Are you still interested in tickets?” they asked. “Heck yes!” I replied. “Call this number, ask for Paul. Oh and, you’ll have to answer a trivia question correctly,” they told me.

Trivia? To be honest I almost never make it past the opening monologue. But I do love Letterman. My hometown of Sioux City, Iowa served as the Late Show’s home office for years because our CBS affiliate wouldn’t carry the show. Thanks to Dave, our little town was kind of put on the map for a while.

So after my hair appointment I went home and crammed for an hour.

What temperature does Dave set the thermostat of his studio? 58 degrees.

What color is Alan’s hair? Orange.

Who is his stage manager? Biff Henderson.

What is Dave’s son’s name? Harry.

After soaking in all I could I called Paul. And got his voice mail. For the next four hours I nervously awaited his phone call. When my cell finally rang Paul asked what day I’d like to attend the show. I picked Wednesday thinking maybe he forgot about the trivia question. “Great,” he said. “But in order to get the tickets you have to answer this question correctly.” Oh no, here it was. My make-it-or-break-it moment. “Rupert Gee owns a business around the corner from Dave’s studio. What type of business is it?” Paul asked. I know this, I shouted internally. “A deli?” I responded. “That’s right!” Paul exclaimed.

So now I’m headed to the Late Show next Wednesday. I’ll be sure to bring a sweater since I know the studio will be chilly and maybe I’ll even pop in to the Hello Deli.